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SILVER CITY, New Mexico (VN) — Folks started speculating Thursday when Tom Zirbel borrowed a bike from the Jamis-Sutter Home team after he suffered a mechanical at the SRAM Tour of the Gila.

Zirbel at this week's Tour of the Gila.

On Friday the team announced that it had signed the time trial ace for the rest of the season.

Team director Sebastian Alexandre said it was a big boost for the squad.

“Tom is recognized as one of the best time trialists in the world,” said Alexandre. “We are very excited that he will be riding in Jamis-Sutter Home colors this season.

“Now we have the talent to win any type of race, which means our prospects for top GC finishes in stage races improve significantly.”

Zirbel is coming off an 18-month doping suspension; the Gila is his first major race after his suspension.

Racing for the Hotel San Jose team, he finished in the top ten in Friday’s time trial stage. He will officially join the Jamis team next month, in time to be named to the team’s Tour of California roster, which is expected to be finalized within the next week or two.

“I am very excited to join the Jamis-Sutter Home squad,” said Zirbel. “I have tremendous respect for DS Sebastian Alexandre and appreciate the support that Jamis and Sutter Home have been providing to the sport for so many years.”